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Can My Tree Survive Storm Damage?

The arrival of spring in Houston is notorious for bringing with it severe storms, flash floods, heavy lightning, and strong winds. Although Houstonians can prepare for bad weather and protect themselves from harm, the same cannot be said about exterior parts of a residential property. Even the strongest trees on a property can fall victim to severe weather, but many types of trees can survive storm damage and avoid being removed completely. In today’s blog post, we’ll look at whether trees can survive specific types of storm damage, and how professional tree care companies can save the life and health of a damaged tree.

Broken or Damaged Limbs

One of the most common types of tree damage left behind after a bad storm is broken or damaged tree limbs. Trees can suffer cracks in branches that cause them to hang down and create a hazardous situation, or they can break off completely and lead to personal injury or property damage. When tree limbs crack or break, it can leave behind a dangerous and unattractive tree, but Certified Arborists can still save the tree through safe and strategic tree pruning. They carefully remove any broken or dangling branches and limbs, whether down towards the bottom or up near the tree’s canopy. Professional tree care providers can ensure that the tree is able to fully recover, is stable for future growth, and is less vulnerable to insects or tree diseases.

Lightning Strikes

Although not as common as wind damage, lightning is another cause of tree damage during a severe weather event. A single bolt of lightning can cause tree bark to literally explode off the tree trunk, leaving gaping wounds of exposed tree. In addition, lightning strikes can cause a tree to catch on fire as the lightning bolt burns the trunk and foliage, and the impact can also cause a tree to split into two. A split tree trunk or major hole in the tree usually means the tree needs to be removed by tree care professionals, but a Certified Arborist can still save the life of a tree hit by lightning if there is just exposed bark or broken limbs to be pruned. In addition, Certified Arborists can install preventative Lightning Protection Systems which prevent the tree from sustaining a direct lightning strike and decreases the likelihood of side flashes that can also cause damage to nearby trees, buildings, property and people.

Leaning Tree

After a severe storm has passed, a tree that was previously upright might now be leaning to one side. Causes might include broken branches that have left the tree with an uneven weight distribution, or trees that have been uprooted slightly due to excessive winds or heavy rainfall. Certified Arborists can help repair uneven trees with strategic Tree Pruning, and also Cabling and Bracing services to stabilize the tree for future growth. However, Certified Arborists can generally only save a tree that has been uprooted or has heaving soil if it is a smaller, younger tree with a small root system. Replanting can give these uprooted trees another chance at life, but large trees that have been uprooted or have heaving soil will likely need to be removed completely.

Trees are in important part of any residential property, but storm damage can threaten their health and stability at any time. Embark Services offers prompt, safe, and professional Tree Care Services to handle all aspects of tree maintenance, including Tree Emergency Storm Response, Tree Pruning, Cabling and Bracing, and Tree and Debris Removal. Contact Embark Services today at 713.462.3261 for more information, or fill out our online form to request a free consultation!